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Sunday, December 4, 2011

We can go to God with any problem anytime, anywhere. He always will listen, He always will hear, He will always forgive, He always will love, He always will be.

God is our Father, and He wants to have a relationship with us; to nurture, to protect, to cherish, to heal... or, just to talk.

When we have that relationship, we have to be consistent. We can't just read our Bible or go to Church every once in a while. It has to be all the time!! He has to be the center of your life. That is REALLY hard!!!!

But God is good and we won't labor in vain. The Bible says that Christ has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us in Heaven. So, your hard work won't be a waste. Not to mention serving God can be a lot of fun!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1: 2

So then, my beloved Brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
James 1: 19

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1: 21

But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deceiving yourselves.
James 1: 22

Thus faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2: 17

But someone will say, " You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2: 18

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
James 3: 6

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
James 3: 16

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3: 17

Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.
James 4: 4

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
James 5: 19-20

When you are in the valley of death, seek the Lord!
He shall be your refuge.

Monday, November 21, 2011

I know, I put up my winter decor a little early, but what can I say I enjoy Christmas. It's my favorite holiday. The music, the lights, the smell. ~ sigh ~ It's so beautiful.

But most definitely not peaceful. December is one of those months where my family hardly has a day that does not have something going on. We're doing four performances of a play, I'm doing two performances of a Christmas dance with our church dance group, my sister is doing two performances playing Christmas bells, my dad is busy with work, my older brother is looking for a job, and my mom is busy with the Holidays. My little brother... well, I don't think he is doing anything imparticular other than the play. Not to mention the Living Christmas Tree play, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, planning, cooking, baking, caroling, giving, recieving.

The most important thing is that we don't lose our focus on Christ. It's really amazing what He did for us! It's amazing how much God loves us. He really is incredible!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The leaves have fallen, the sky is grey, the cold has come and is here to stay. Thanksgiving approaches, carols are in the air. The turkey is soon to be roasted, there are parties to be hosted. Chestnuts will be toasted, Celebrating a day that comes but once a year. A day that, as a child my dad eagerly anticipated, but as he grows older it may become a fear.

A birthday is as such. A holiday for one person in your home, a holiday not to be spent alone. A holiday all by it's self, that doesn't celebrate riches and wealth. But a another great year past in the child of God born on that day.

On the Sunday of this week, we will celebrate my father. No parties or streamers, or movie theaters. Just some R&R, praise to the Lord, a few presents, and maybe some hustle and bustle.

So remember these special days, when some people in the world stay on their separate ways, not bothering to pay others heed when they are really in need.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Excellence in literature was a rather intimidating idea. I had never taken a literature class before and it was for 8-12 grades. Not a problem. I'm 14. But I still, didn't really want to do it.

I have changed my mind. I actually kind of look forward to the lessons. And really they aren't like lessons at all. It's more like reading books then doing a detailed book report. So far I have only had to do an approach paper, and one literature summary.

It's most definitely going to be a good class. I don't particularly like to have to read old books, but I can understand their angle. Old literature is often richer with words, emotions, and truths. Thus it makes for a better source of information.

They give you a basic layout for each month. I'm on week two of Unit. I am reading a short story then doing a literature summery. I'll be doing two of those. Then I'll do three more between this Saturday and the end of next week.

I have had problems accessing the links, that are provided to attain the literature. That is just about the only thing that is really wrong with it.

So, if you like to write, read, and you need to improve your typing, I most definitely recommend this course.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Lexy solemnly put on her black dress and slipped into her shoes. After doing her hair, she inspected herself in the mirror. She sighed. What was the point if getting dressed up for a funeral? It was a sad event. Honestly, she didn't want to go. It would force her to acknowledge the fact that her Uncle was dead. She couldn't imagine that he was still fighting in the Philippines. However childish it sounded, she had hoped... Well, it didn't matter now.

“ Lexy? Are you ready?”

After one more look in the mirror, she said, “ Yeah. I'm coming.”The funeral was classic. Everyone in black. A casket draped in flowers. A dull gray sky to go with it. Their pastor gave the service. He had written it, and it was really nice. He ended with a prayer. When it was over, the people dispersed. Lexy's aunt took her brood, excluding Jason, home. He had produced two skateboards from the trunk of his mom's car as Lexy got a pair of running shoes out of her trunk, and put them on. Then she grabbed a board, and told her mom that she and Jason were going for a skate. They left, going as fast as they could. They didn't talk. They didn't want to. Lexy followed her cousin who led her down several alleys and through the park. Suddenly, Lexy whirled around to see Darik Jones, the school bully, and his little pals. Well, maybe not so little. They were the toughest, meanest kids in school. And they were riding bikes, which were a lot faster. No way out but to talk. Not to mention the fact that the bullies were steering them into an alley, with a dead end.

“Jason!” she called. “Don't look now, but we have company.”

“What? Oh, man!” he said, bringing his skateboard to a stop. Lexy did the same.

“Hey, Hendrix. How are you and your little girlfriend?” Darik taunted, getting off his bike.

“Oh, really? Like civilized human beings, or like a boxer against a civilian?”

“You think you're smart don't you? Well think again!” Lexy shrank back as Darik shoved Jason to the ground. Jason got up. Before he could gather himself again, Darik punched him in the face. Lexy tried to run forward, blocked her way.

“Darik, stop it before someone gets hurt.”

“Lexy, just stay out of it!” Jason shouted at her. Jason tried to run past Darik; but, Darik grabbed him around the neck, putting him in a headlock. Lexy really thought that he was going to choke her cousin.

“Darik! Please stop! You're going to kill him!” she wailed. Darik did let go of his victim. But shoved him against the alley wall.

“Are you done, or do you want to 'talk' some more?” he asked. Jason had been done after the first hit. He nodded his head.

“You sure?”

“Yes! I've had enough!” Jason said, firmly.

“Good. Now why don't you take your little 'friend', and get out of here.”

“With pleasure!” replied Jason. He picked up his skateboard, and walked away, holding his stomach.

The guys holding Lexy let go of her. She also picked up her board, and followed her cousin. Once they were out of ear shot she asked, “What was that all about?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. I'll be fine.”

“Jason Aaron Hendrix, Darik doesn't beat people up like that without a reason!” she said. Jason still didn't answer.

“Well I figure she'll find out anyway, seeing that I have a black eye.”

“I was going to see if you wanted to stay at my house tonight.” she said, somewhat grudgingly. “Mom could try to get the swelling on that eye to go down a bit. And if you go to school with me tomorrow; then, you won't have to see your mom until tomorrow night.”

“Really? That would be great.”

“If you tell me what just happened!” Lexy insisted. Jason could see she was not going to let this go easily, so he gave in. “Darik was messing with Eric Brice last week on the bus. And not wanting to get into a fight, I told Mr. Jones, the bus driver. So, Darik got suspended from the bus for the rest of the week. He obviously had a grudge on me.”

“I wondered why he wasn't there, but that's just ridiculous!”

“I know. But if you're a bully, you don't have to have a good reason to beat people up.” he said, touching his swollen eye, and wincing.

“You're welcome. But suppose you tell me what happened to your eye. And you've torn your suit. Did you crash?” asked his aunt, getting a cold pack out of the freezer, and handing it to Jason.

“Not exactly,” he hesitated glancing at Lexy, who nodded. “unless you're counting crashing with the school bully.”

. Jason sighed. “I stuck up for one of the kids on the bus. So, he got suspended from the bus for the rest of the week.”

“I see. So he got his revenge. Is that right?”

“Pretty much.”

“Hmm. Well, under the circumstances, I think you need to call Rachel to see what she thinks. She may want you at home.” said his aunt. “Alright. I'll call her, if that's okay with you.”

“Sure. Just use the phone upstairs. The one down here is messed up.”

“Okay.” When Jason called, he told his mom that he had gotten beat up on the way home. She was very worried. She told him that she really would rather him come home. Jason could hear the tears in her voice, so he quickly agreed. His aunt drove him home and said goodnight.

That night Jason lay awake on the bed. The day had not been ideal. Especially getting beat up. He didn't imagine getting beat up as being part of the schedule following his father's funeral. Then again, he hadn't imagined he would be going to his funeral so young. He couldn't help wanting him back. There were things a father taught a boy. Important things. And some of those things his dad would never get to teach him. Why did all this have to happen? Why had God taken away his dad? He just didn't understand. Nothing about this made sense. But, he thought as he drifted off to sleep, God didn't have to.

-------------------------------------------------------------

“Lexy! Have you seen this?” asked Lela Hayes.

“Seen what?”

“This!” Lexy took the flier that Lela handed to her and looked at it. The paper she held in her hand advertised the fall program. “What's wrong with it?” she asked, uncertain what she was looking for.

“What's wrong with it?” she exclaimed. “Look at the subject of the play!” The flier advertised that the subject was cults. It included witchcraft, Hindu, and voodoo.

“I can't believe this! There have to be enough people who are opposed to the idea to stop it!” said Lexy, exasperated.

“That's why I'm showing it to you.” explained Lela. “Sinse I work with the school newspaper, I get to know about things way ahead of the rest of the school. So, when I saw this, I was appalled. I immediately went to talk to Miss Lanny about a protest. She told me that if I could get enough volunteers to help us; then, she would put it together. Isn't that great?”

“Yeah. I didn't know that Miss Lanny would stand up for a thing like that.”

“Well people can surprise you. She's a Christian, you know.”

“Really? So what has been submitted but not published?” Lexy asked, mischievously.

“Sorry. But I'm not allowed to tell you!” she teased. “But seriously, would you be interested in participating?”

“Of course I would be!” she replied, enthusiastically. “What do I need to do?” Lela was beaming. "Talk to everyone you think might be interested, and have them call me if they are.”

“Great. I think I can start calling people this afternoon. I can ask some of my friends tomorrow.”

“Okay. I'll talk to you later.” said Lela, as Lexy began to leave. “Oh, and, Lexy? Thanks!”

Lela opened the door of the school press office to see Eric Brice, the editor of the school paper, typing madly at the keyboard. He was a small, skinny kid, but extremely tech savvy, and an excellent reporter.

“Hey, Eric.” He kept on typing. She cleared her throat.

“Ha-hem. Eric?” Eric jumped around in his seat. “Oh. It's you. Do you need something?”

“No. I just wanted to get my purse. And I need to get that report I'm assembling against the fall program”

“Oh. Okay. It's in the filing cabinet under the P's.”

“Thanks.” she said, and went to the tall cabinet.

Lela nearly buried herself in the drawer. She was a short blond, and in the 8th grade. Her passion for writing had caught her teachers attention; so, she was put on the staff of the the school newspaper. She thoroughly enjoyed her job. She and Eric had been on several stories together, so they were good friends.

“Hey, I heard Jason saved you on the bus last week. Is it true?” she said, pulling herself out of the drawer. Eric turned around and watched Lela come down the step ladder, push in the drawer, take a seat at her cubical and start flipping through the file. “Yeah, it's true. Darik was pushing me around. Jason saw it and told Mr. Parker. Darik ended up getting suspended from the bus for the rest of the week.”

“Well, that's good that he stuck up for you.” she commented, still flipping through various papers.

“Yeah, but what's not good is what I found out today.”

Looking up, she asked, “What's that?”

“Jason got beat up because of what happened,” he answered. Lela turned in her seat.

“Did he fight back?”

“No. He told me that he couldn't do it, even though he really wanted to.”

“Why?”

“He said that he just couldn't.”

“Well, good for him. You know how we have been talking about loving our enemies in youth group. I guess that it helped!” Then she sighed, and said, “Did you know that his dad died?”

“His dad died?”
“Yeah. I thought you had probably heard. He died in the Philippines.” she said, with remorse. “It really is a shame. Lexy told me he was a great guy, and I saw him a couple times when he was in the states. He would come to church and I liked to talk to him. He was really nice.”

“Hmm. Well, I guess we should talk to Jason and see if it would be OK to write a story about it.” he said. “Eric!”

“What?”

“I can't believe that you would even think of writing a story on the death of his father. Do you realize how distressing that would be to him? No you don't! You can't just do something like that. It just is plain mean!” said Lela, eyes wide, and voice high. Eric sighed. She could be a fireball sometimes. He had been her friend for so long, he had gotten used to her hot temper.

“Sorry. And you're right,” he said backing down." As always." She smiled at him, and returned to her folder. When she was done she packed up her stuff and started home. Today had been the last day of school. She was glad it was over. She was also glad that she had this protest to keep her busy this summer; but, these next two weeks she was going on a mission trip to Mexico. Lexy, Jason, and Eric were going, too. She wondered if Jason and Lexy would still come. When she got home she would call and find out. She thought they probably still would. It would be good for them to get away from everything that was going on at home. When she got home she called Lexy who told her they were still planning on coming.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Once again I apologize for not writing in sooooo long. (Is this how all my posts start??????) Anyway, since I last wrote I have really been getting stressed, exhuasted, tempormental, and basicly emothionally out of whack. Please be praying. I am fighting against it, but things take time.

One thing I'm holding on to is a phrase I learned at Church camp:

" If I change everything changes."

And man, do I want to change!!!

A good verse for this is 2 Corinthians 5:17:

Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. ("God's word" version)

When we say we are the Children of God, we are saying that we are Jesus' brother or sister. That is serious. Don't you think we should try to live according to His standards? It only makes since. We are precious. God thinks so and I know so. Why else would Jesus suffer the cruelest death of that time?
Because He loves us. It is as simple as that.

So I am going to try to do better this week. You can too. But remember, unless you seek God's help in changing your lifestyle, it won't work out right.

Monday, August 15, 2011

My request is that you be prayer for God's will to be worked in Joplin, Mo.

My dad was saying the other day that 3 to 6 months after the disaster is the worst time for post truamatic stress. Meaning it is also the most crutial time to prevent it. Please be in deep prayer that God will continue to work miracles in the lives of the people affected by the tornado.

God is so wonderful, so powerful, so majestic, so awesome, so unpreditable, so glorious, so faithful, so patient, so loving, so honorable, so just, so immaculate, so honest, so desireable, so.... so God.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

I don't know about you but my summer had been sooooo busy, and our computer had broken soooo many times I just haven't had time to post anything. We've just been going and going.

1. My dad got a job at JFWC
2. We have been volunteering there a ton
3. We moved to that church
4. My parents let me go to camp where God showed me some things I need to work on in my life, and I got filled with the Holy Spirit
5. My mom is one of the leaders for a homeschool co-op
6. We are going to go to that co-op
7. I've met about a zillion people that I woudn't have met if not for the tornado
8. We already started our school
9. God is working in our lives every single day

The tornado was bad and at the same time good. God makes all things work together to good of those who love God. Even for you.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

I found this pic to be extremely peacful, and at the same time daring in a way. Kind of like it's daring me to take a step. Daring me to move. I know that I will fall. So I have to trust God to hold me up. You know?

Often it's hard to follow God and you don't know how to. I know how it is. I've been through that. And I have failed. It isn't always easy to follow Jesus. If it is, you need to know Him more. You need to seek Him. It's hard, but it is VERY important to your

Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Lord shall sustain me through all of my pain.
The Lord shall provide for all my needs.
The Lord shall give me protection.
The Lord will give me strength to keep moving forward.
The Lord will give me peace.
The Lord will keep my heart safe.
The Lord will reveal His power and His majesty.
The Lord will do all these things and more; if I stay I allow Him to direct my path.

Yes, I will stumble.
Yes, I will fail.
Yes, I will make mistakes and run into problems.
But He will forgive me.
He will pick me up and dust me off.
He loves me, and will keep me throughout my life.
I am safe in His arms.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Although the Joplin tornado hit near our house we had no damage. But, we have positively been effected by it! We have been housing relief workers for the last two weeks. 2 to 40+ people every night. Now that's a full house!! Not to mention the volunteering.

So as you can see, we have been very, very busy, and not had much time to do alot of stuff. plus our computer has not been working very well, and I don't get on very often. So all in all that is why I haven't been writing.

I don't know how many of you have been looking at pics of the devastation, or if you've been out there.
But one thing that stood through it all was a humongous cross, Isn't that just like God? I mean, through all of that He kept that cross standing. " Lo, I am with you alway. Even to the ends of the earth." (Or the end of the tornado).

That and our flag. In some places there are flags. Now they may have been put there, or they may have been sustained through the storm.

There was this guy, I don't know his name, but he was sucked up in the tornado. He saw what was happening from inside the tornado! Then thay found him Academy Sports. A couple broken limbs but he was alive. That should not have been. He should have been dead. But for some reason, God knew He needed to stay here. It wasn't his tome to go. Is that not incredible or what. If that's not God I want to know what is.

And the lady whose car got wrapped around a tree, and the guy in her backseat opened his door and let her out. She later realized, there had been no one in her back seat when it happened.

Or the four year old boy who said he flew with the angels. He also said they fed and took care of him.

At one of the church's the walls caved in. Four men there lifted the walls off of the people and walked off to help other people. Four men don't just lift walls. Angels do.

The beauty directly after the storm was in new Christians who found there faith during the tornado, and the angels that people encountered after and during the storm. The beauty that came aferward is the fact that our country is pulling together to get over this. My dad is working at JFWC so we are getting to see God's provision first hand, and it is wonderful!!!

So to all thise who lost in the tornado, God has a plan for you. God has a plan to bring beauty from your pain.

Monday, May 23, 2011

On May 22, 2011 we went to church as usual. I helped with the worship service and played with my friends afterwards.
We came home and ate, and pretty much did our own thing. Then it got cloudy. Of course we didn't think anything of it, the same when it started raining But we thought something of when we got nickel and bigger sized hail, and we heard a continuous thundering. My dad said we were in a tornado watch so we went down to our basement. We were listening to the radio and heard that almost all of the business' on Rangeline road were demolished. The 'thunder' was the tornado.
I don't think I've ever prayed harder for God's protection; and I wouldn't go too far by saying that I haven't had many times that required as much. Well, it soon was fine for us to go upstairs. Our town was spared yet again from a killer tornado.
The tornado was a mile across and it took a ton of Joplin. The damage is incredible. I mean, there is nearly nothing left on Rangeline. And St. John's took severe damage and all those medical facilities were destroyed. They are nothing but a pile of rubble.
There have been a lot of tornadoes around our town in my life, but nothing that compared with this. Please pray, pray, pray for the people of Joplin!!!! If you of someone you know wants to get involved with volunteer work you need to go to MSSU. I guess they are organizing and collecting things there. I do know that power is down so much so that the weather station could not give much information to people. As far as I know the death toll is at 89. I have NO idea how many are wounded. If you want to see footage just type into a search engine 'Joplin tornado'. Again prayer is needed desperately!!

Now this morning I asked God to give me something to read in the Bible and this is what I was given:

Psalm 48: 9, 11

48:9 " We have thought of your lovingkindness" and 48:11 " Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of your judgments."

Be glad because of His judgments? I don't know how you can be glad about this. I mean it's already taken 89 lives. That is one to pray about.

Before those verses I got these. I'll put the address here and you can look them up.

Psalm 55: 4-8

He also gave me this awesome verse:

Psalm 55: 22

" Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

Isn't that great? If you are walking in God's light you don't need to worry. What a promise. What a God.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sorry for not writing in so long. Blogger wasn't working a couple of days ago when I wanted to.

Well, since I last wrote my cat had her kittens. Two female gray tabbies, and two male yellow tabbies. They are eight days old and are going to be really pretty!

I'm trying to give them away, so if you know anyone who might want a kitten have them leave a comment on my blog with their phone number. I have already got a home for one of the girls, so I've got two boys and one girl.

We are also getting our bathroom redone. My mom is really happy about that! We got new tile and are painting it a dark tan. So it's going to look really nice when it's done.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

That's what my mom calls it. It puts it more into perspective I'd say. It's not about bunnies, or chickens,
or eggs, or any of that. It's about what Jesus did for us on the cross. He bore our sins to calvary. He was beaten, mocked, flogged, and crucified. The way that He loved us, the world, so much he died for all our sins. I don't think many of us could take that kind of beating and still love God.

But the worst part would have been when God, the Creator of the universe, Jesus' father, our Lord, turned His face away from His son. that must have been extremely hard. I can't imagine it. It's gotta be hard enough when an earthly faher turns his back on you, but your heavenly father? That's tough.

Then after He died, He was layed in a tomb for three days. After those three days these ladies come to put spices on His body, and they said, " Who will roll the stone away?"

That was a fair question because the stone to that tomb had been sealed to the cave somehow and there was a bunch of Roman soldiers gaurding the tomb. Or so they thought. When they got to the tomb they found an angel sitting on this stone and the soldiers were gone. The angel told them to go and tell the other disciples that Jesus had risen. So they ran as fast as they could to tell thier friends. They of course could not believe what they had heard. So a couple of them ran to the tomb and found it empty.

And that's the gospel. Jesus came born of a virgin, taught the people, fulfilled the prophecies, died on a tree, and rose from the dead after three days. Then after showing Himself to His disciples and some others, He ascended to Heaven.

No one is perfect, and we all need forgiveness.

" For all have fallen short of the glory of God.."
" If we confess our sins He is faitheful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteuosness..."

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Compassion is sometimes hard to show. Like when your brother is being so annoying you just yell at him. Or when your little sister won't pick up all her stuff in your room.

But other times its easy. Like whrn you see your friend and her parents are getting a divorce. Or her cat died, her dog ate her homework, ect. It's easy in these situations because its your instinct to reach out to people that are hurting, at least its some peoples instinct.

But we should always be showing compassion. Jesus did. Yeah, we'll mess up, but we should try to control ourselves. You know?

I mean, your friends, lets face it, you probably won't know when you grow up. But you're more likely to know you're brothers and sisters. You're more likely to know you're parents. And if you don't know them, I hope you know God.

Just because our families are family doesn't mean that we should treat them like yesterdays chopped liver. We should love on them and care for them.

Now, I'm not saying I know how to be the perfect sister. FAR from it. I'm not even close to the best sister.

But, I am saying that we all have room for improvment, including me.

But that won't happen onless we persevere, trust in God, and get back up again when we fall down.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Today was a ruff day for my mom. We haven't been on track this week in school, and various other things.

The good news is that we are calling spring break!!!

So on the way home today a song came on K-love, the radio station we listen to, and it was perfect for that situation. So I sang along with it, and she almost cried. Then I think Amy said something silly and I started singing the words to this song.

You're gonna miss this.
You're gonna want this back.
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast.
These are some good times. So take a good look around..
You may not know it now... but you're gonna miss this.

That song has meaning in our family because my mom first heard it while we were going through some really hard stuff. So when we go through somethin' we sometimes sing that song. It's a good reminder that little kids don't stay little forever. Teens aren't teens forever. And people change all the time.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Ok, I am going to be posting a story I am writing. Here's the first chapter. Hope you like it!!!!!!

The Bible Travelers
By: Emily Lane

Chapter 1

“Not everyone is born with responsibility; sometimes it just happens.”
-Rachel Hendrix

Jason walked down the hall of Ravendale Middle School to get his math book out of his locker. Oh, he couldn't forget his test. He had to get a good grade today. If he didn't, he'd fail to get straight A's for the whole spring semester.
Jason Hendrix was 14 and in 8th grade. He had blond hair and green eyes that were so light, they had a gray tinge to them. He was five nine and growing. His mom said he was going to look like his dad someday. His dad. That made him really proud. His father was a soldier and, at the moment, was on a mission in the Philippine Islands. Although the Navy didn't appeal to Jason, he was still as proud as he could be.
But today he wasn't thinking about the Navy, or his career. He was anticipating handing in a perfect paper. Then there would be no more tests until the fall semester. It was finally time for summer brea; and, tomorrow was the last day of school. This year he was very excited because he was going on a trip with his youth group to Mexico. They were going to be ding some missions work. It was a week long trip and only six days away.
Jason slammed his locker shut, spun the dial, and hurried off to class. He rushed in and handed his teacher the test. She smiled at him.
“Another A?” she asked, good naturedly.
“ I sure hope so, Miss Larson,” he responded.
“ I'll wish you luck then.”
“ Thanks!”
As he slid into his seat Miss Larson called out, “All right, class! Settle down! This is the last test of the year...” the room erupted in noise. Smiling she went on , “and I know you are all very excited to see the results. I will be posting them on the bulletin board tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Alright? Good. Now if you will look at the papers on your desks, you will find...”
Minutes dragged into an hour. When the lunch bell finally rang, Jason gathered all his stuff together and went to the cafeteria. After he had gotten his lunch, he sauntered over and sat beside Lexy Rite, a very popular girl, an open Christian, one of the best runners on the track team, and his cousin.
They didn't look alike besides Lexy's dark green eyes,
They were good friends. Jason was five nine, broad shouldered and growing. She was five five, and not getting any taller, brunette,and skinny. Plus she was a year younger and in 7th grade. But neither of them cared about their age. They were like brother and sister.
“Hi, Lexy. What's up?”
“Not much.” she said, and took a bite of her lunch, and scrunched up her face. “ Lunch isn't too appetizing today, is it?” she commented after downing it with water.
“ Yeah. Doesn't look much better than the K-rations my dad brought home last time he was here. Doesn't taste much better either,” he added after he had taken a bite.
Lexy smiled. “ Have you heard from Uncle Roger lately?”
Through a mouth full of food, Jason said,” No,” After he swallowed, he said, “ he's not allowed to directly contact us while he's in the Gulf.”
“Oh. Well, when you do hear from him, tell me, won't you?”
“ Of course.”
Just then, someone tapped Jason on the shoulder. He turned to see Mr. Harper, Lexy's science teacher, standing there.'
“Jason Hendrix, Lexy Rite,” he said softly.” Mrs. Wagner wants to see you in her office.”
“ What's wrong?” asked Lexy, bewildered.
“ I think Mrs. Wagner should explain that.”
Jason and Lexy exchanged looks, both shrugged and got up to follow Mr. Harper. He led them to the principal's office; and, Janet Lee, the secretary told them to go on in.
When Mr. Harper opened the door, Jason was surprised to see both his mother and Lexy's mom sitting across from their principle. The adults turned to face the teens. Mr. Harper left the room closing the door behind him.
“ Hi, Mom.” said Jason. “ What's going on. Why are you here?”
“ Mom, are we in trouble?” asked Lexy, sceptically.
“ No. But I think that your Aunt Rachel has something to tell you two.” Jason noticed that his mother had tear stains on her face.
“ Mom, what's wrong?” he asked as calmly as he could, for the fear inside him threatened to engulf him. His mom looked at him a long second before she answered him; but, it was a significant one. He read pain, and fear in her eyes.
“Your father was trying to save some civilians from an air attack. He got them all to safety except one; and, he went back for him. He didn't make it back to the shelter.” she said, breaking into sobs.
“ No. No! That's not true! It was someone else!” Jason said, his voice rising.
“ Jason, listen-” Lexy's mom said.
“ No! I won't listen! They had to of made a mistake!” Jason said. He got down on his knees searching his mother's face for something to tell him this was just a nightmare. She just looked up at him with forlorn eyes. Jason stood up and stormed out of the room. Lexy's mother got up and hugged her daughter.
“ I just can't believe he's dead.” Lexy murmured.
“I know. It's hard to believe.” agreed her mom. They held each other a little longer.
“I'm going to take your aunt home. The principle said you can get out of school early today. They were going to let out early anyway. Do you want a ride?”
“ No. I'll just walk.” Lexy answered.
“ Then tell Marcy I'll be a little late. She can go ahead and start the hamburgers.”
“ OK.” and Lexy was gone.
---------------------------------------------------
Jason ran as fast as he could throuh the park ignoring all other signs of human life. He almost thought that if he ran far enough that he would get away from this nightmare. Thoughts were coming as fast as the steps he was taking. The faster he ran, the more and faster they came.
The control office must have made a mistake. His dad couldn't be dead. Not the father he knew. The father who was full of life. The father that so many times Jason had run to when things were at their worst. Not the father who held the Hendrix family together. How could God let that happen? He knew that Jason needed his dad. He knew that his mom didn't have a job. He knew that there were seven mouths to feed. He knew all the financial problems this would cause. He knew... then Jason had a different kind of thought.
God knew the beginning and end. He knew why this had all happened. He knew everything. And He would take care of everything. All of a sudden, Jason felt a wave of peace, comfort and
love wash over him. He felt like God had told him it would all be alright. Jason just needed to trust Him.
Jason knew he did not want to be there when his siblings heard about their father. He had five. Justin, who was eleven, Julie and Janie, eight. Jared, six, and baby Joy. Jason decided on the library. It would be quiet there; and, he could get some books. When he got there he started picking up books like, “How to Give Yourself a Makeover ”, “How to Make Your Monkey Fly”, and a horror story called “ Return of the Poisonous Purple People Eaters ”. Jason quickly put them on a shelf for some unsuspecting librarian to put away. If he was that preoccupied, then he should probably go home.
No one talked very much that night. When Jared said his prayers asking God to take care of his daddy their mom ran to her room sobbing. Jason told him not to worry about it. She would be fine soon. Jared looked up at him with innocent blue eyes.
“ When is Daddy coming home?” he asked.
Jason didn't answer. He just tucked him in bed. How could he tell a six year old kid? It was no surprise that they all cried themselves to sleep that night. It was inevitable. Although he tried not to, he found himself crying, too. Out of the darkness, he could hear his brother, Justin, humming a song that their father used to sing to them. Jason lost himself in the familiar notes. It was an old Irish lullaby. His great-grandma had sung it to his dad; and, his dad did the same to all the children. They weren't Irish but the song was comforting, and Jason loved it. Soon he was asleep, and dreaming about his dad.

I just wanted to apologize for not writing in a while and share with you a part of scripture that I found today.

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

Ok, I have tried to write about this twice now and I have erased it. I think it's obvious that we need to be willing to let Him take care of us and to lead us. Our lives will just be alot better if we do. And I don't think that the writer means we will always be safe, but that God will be our protector, and He will be our strength.

I hope you have decided to let God be your pilot, and your God, and your King.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Two days ago I went to the dog shelter in our town! Oh, sooooo cute! No uglies, though.
I was with my friend, and we had a good time. Except I got peed on. Yuck!!!!
We got to walk some pretty dogs, and some really hyper dogs!
But I got to walk a very timid dog. She was really nice. Long black and tan hair, about two and a half feet long, but really low to the ground. She had probably been beaten before, and was a bit afraid of humans. But she faced her fear and found out that I was nice to her and loved on her. I hope she finds a home soon.

There was another dog, though, that tried to bite me. He, too, may have come from a bad home. But, unlike the last dog, he didn't let go of his fear and assumed I was trying to hurt him, instead of pet him.

I have a question though. Which dog are you? Are you the dog that decided you would let go of the past, and try again, or the one that missed out on the love he could have had if he had had courage?

You see, people are like dogs in that way. They can hold on to the abuse that they have experienced and let it make them hard, and suspicious; or, they can let it go, forgive, and move on.

If you have had an experience that has left you angry, bitter, or suspicious, there is hope for you.
It's called Jesus. Jesus died for everyone on the cross so that they could be free from sin. He also died so that you could release that bitterness and give it to Him.

You eventually will have to decide for yourself whether you will follow Him, and let Him give you eternal life. Or, you can choose another religion, and go to eternal suffering. I want you to go to Heaven. I want you to have eternal happiness.

But before that happens, you have to know Christ. If you want to except Him as your personal Lord and Saviour, all you have to do is say the following prayer:

Dear Jesus,
I believe that you died for me on the cross so that I could be free from sin.
I want you to come into my life, and guide my footsteps.
In your holy name,
Amen.

And that's it. If you prayed that prayer, please leave a comment, and I will pray for you that you will stand firm, and grow. Now the next step is to get a Bible and start reading. There will probably be a version at your local book store. I recommend the New King James Version (NKJV) or the New International Version (NIV).

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I just got done with having a study about virtue with my mom. And you know how I said I would have a something to challenge you every week? Well here it comes!

What do you think when you see a girl walking down the street with her belly hanging out and her chest showing? Not anything real good, huh? Well, while you're thinking about that, what are people thinking of your own attire? Is it good, or bad? Are you turning heads because you are dressed modestly, or immodestly? I hope modestly.

As daughters of Christ, we have the responsibility to present ourselves in a manner pleasing to God. And that does not mean skin tight jeans, sheer, or tight tops, or tops that show cleavage. I know that this is not a topic that most girls like to talk about. Because of that, it is being put on the shelf; and, the topic is not getting addressed too often. So, even though it's not my favorite topic, I'm willing to talk about it for the good of us girls.

We have a thing called allure, our appearance; and, it is a powerful thing. If we do not protect our bodies by covering ourselves, we are not only sinning against God, but against ourselves, against our brothers in Christ, and against our family. Think about that for a second. You could be sinning against lots of people because you wore that mini skirt. Or those pants, that you can hardly breath in. Or what about that top that shows half your stomach, so you wear a jacket over it? And then when you spread your arms, that jacket pops open and your stomach is the featured view. What if your mom saw that? How would you feel? What if your God saw that? How would you feel? And what if, what if, your future husband saw that, and that left a bad impression on him? You could cause your future husband to stumble as well as other future husbands. You see, we women are terribly mislead by today's fashion. The question is if we are willing to go along with all this. Are we going to go along with all the piercings, tattoos, and tight clothes?

We are supposed to save our bodies, our kisses, our hugs, and love, all for one man. And the plan is that we wait for that pleasure until after our marriage. We have to keep our minds pure, too.

If you are immodest sometimes, even if you are a Christian, you're not alone! I even dress immodestly sometimes. But, because I have had high standards set for me by my parents, it's really infrequent.
But even though I don't want to dress immodestly, I like to be noticed. Who doesn't? But in liking to be noticed comes the danger of immodesty.

One definition of modesty is expressing yourself, but, with CAUTION! Doesn't that sound easier? It does to me! Because I don't like to go around in dresses all the time. So here are some tips to make your wardrobe more modest.

1. How do I know if my shirt is too tight?

If it is stretching across your chest, well, it's tooooo tight!

The solution? Mine is, first clench your hands and go inside your shirt and push it out. This usually helps a good deal. If it doesn't, then you need a bigger shirt!

2. Is my shirt too short?

Reach for the sky. If you see your stomach showing, even a little, then yes. But, there is a sulution. Go buy some tank tops. They will do wonders. Just tuck them into your pants. And layers are TOTALLY in!!

3. Are my pants too low?

If when you bend over, your back shows, yes. This could be your pants or your shirt. Either way, all you need is a tank top to tuck into your pants!

4. Is my shirt too low?

Lean forward, and look at yourself in the mirror. If you see your chest, you need an undershirt. But congrats to those who don't!

5. How short is too short?

Well, sit in front of a mirror (If you don't have that, then your mom will do!) cross-legged and indian style. If you see your undies, then you just need to throw out that pair of shorts or skirt, or you can wear leggings. But I don't recommend them. If you are wearing something skin tight, you are basicly giving a view of your body. This includes skinny jeans. You're better off throwing them in the trash, or giveaway.

Well, I hope I have challenged you to look at your wardrobe a little more carefully. Remember, we are helping to shape the next generation of leaders and, more importantly, each other's husbands.

Friday, February 11, 2011

So, what did you think of my last post? (look below this post!)I hope you liked it. I wrote it( the song). Don't be surprised! I like to write songs. I also sing, play piano, a little guitar, recorder, and I can sound things out on a Romanian flute. What's that? Well, it's sort of like a recorder, but it's wooden. And it's hard to play!!! If you are thinking of taking it up, please tell me!! I don't maen to boast, but God gave me a gift and I might as well tell you about it.

I also like to act. I especially like to play dramatic people. ( Sooooo me!!) I've played an old lady,an angel who just had a solo, but my favorite was a spaniord music instructer.I also wanted the main girl in that play. But I got the instructer instead. I was really happy to get it!!

So you see my dramatic side. What's yours?
Please leave a story about yourself in the spotlight!!